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Quality and Misinformation About Health Conditions in Online Peer Support Groups: Scoping Review
Bethan M Treadgold1, Neil S Coulson2, John L Campbell1
1Exeter Collaboration for Academic Primary Care, Health and Community Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom.
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|May 16, 2025
Summary
Misinformation is prevalent in online health support groups, posing a public health concern. While users often correct errors, experts can help ensure information quality using available appraisal tools.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Public Health
- Online Communities
Background:
- Online peer support groups are increasingly popular for health self-management.
- The quality of information shared in these groups has significant public health implications.
- The extent of misinformation in online health peer support groups remains unclear.
Approach:
- A scoping review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.
- Searched multiple electronic databases for literature published before November 2023.
- Included primary research, reviews, and gray literature on information quality in online peer support groups.
Key Points:
- 14 relevant articles were included, published between 2014-2023.
- More evidence of poor quality information and misinformation than good quality information was found, especially for serious conditions.
- Users actively correct misinformation, but specific appraisal tools for peer support content are lacking.
Conclusions:
- Misinformation in online health peer support groups is a public health concern.
- Confidence in information quality impacts the utility of these groups for patients and professionals.
- Clinical and academic experts can enhance content quality, supported by existing appraisal tools.
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